Affiliate Tax Law Struck Down: 3 Problems With The Laws

Nine months ago the Performance Marketing Association (PMA), filed a lawsuit against the State of Illinois over a newly-passed law requiring out-of-state retailers that sell to Illinois residents to collect and remit sales tax. The theory behind the law is that by advertising through affiliate marketers located within the state of Illinois, a retailer establishes a “nexus” similar to a physical presence in the state — even if it has no place of business or employees there.

Yesterday, however, something significant happened. On April 25, 2012 in an Illinois Circuit Court, Judge Robert Lopez Cepero struck down the law. He ruled that the Illinois affiliate nexus tax law violates the Commerce Clause of the US Constitution, declaring “the activity described in the statute does not establish nexus.”

He decided the suit in favor of the PMA, an industry group representing affiliate marketers, and for the benefit of thousands of affiliate marketers in Illinois and hundreds of thousands nationwide.

The ongoing tax grab against online merchants who market through affiliates is a nationwide problem. (See our coverage of the many affiliate tax bills and laws). Yesterday’s Illinois court decision, coupled with a recent Colorado ruling) signifies that the issue will not be left up to individual states. Rather, it is a matter of interstate commerce and therefore of national concern.

This is a polarizing issue, and it would be easy to look at it through one lens only. However, there are at least three inherent problems with state-specific affiliate nexus laws:

1. It isn’t all about Amazon – Yes, in the beginning those who propose such bills hope to get additional tax revenue for their state, and with Amazon.com landing 25 cents of every online dollar spent in the U.S., it isn’t unusual for the legislators’ rhetoric to reference Amazon. However, it isn’t only Amazon.com being affected. Look at the bigger picture. There are 75 more cents in every dollar that go elsewhere. Such state laws affect all online merchants that market through affiliates.

2. There’s no “affiliation” as in an offline sense – In offline contexts “affiliate” often means “directly controlled” (through ownership, ‘parent company’ relationships, or commercial and operating ties). Online affiliates are very different. They are performance marketers who independently choose to invest their time, effort and money into promoting a merchant’s offers, being paid by the merchant only once performance (click, lead, call, or sale) happens. They aren’t “controlled” by the merchant. They shouldn’t be viewed as its representatives (which is where the idea of “nexus” stems from), but rather – as a type of an independent advertising channel.

3. The effect is reversed – States hope to collect additional taxes by passing the laws. What they do not take into account is the real-world effect. As in the Illinois situation above, in the real world what frequently happens is: (a) merchants who do not want to collect the tax (including the largest players) terminate relationships with affiliates who reside in the state, which, in its turn, leads to (b) real job losses [see chart here], and (c) a state’s loss of tax revenue due to less money coming in income taxes [see also this article and this post].

Legislators and decision-makers need to understand the above. Yet, presenting all sides is nearly impossible without pro-active lobbying by — and educational efforts from — affiliate marketers themselves. Affiliate marketers, so many of whom are small business owners and self-employed entrepreneurs, must speak out to make sure all sides are considered.

Congratulations to the whole affiliate marketing industry on yesterday’s important achievement in Illinois. Let’s keep fighting, and educating!

Geno Prussakov is the Founder & Chair of Influencer Marketing Days and Affiliate Management Days and the CEO & founder of AM Navigator LLC. As an award-winning affiliate marketing expert, he has contributed to the online marketing success of such top brands as Forbes, Nokia, Hallmark, Warner Music, Skype, Forex Club, and hundreds of small businesses.

12 Reactions

Additional regulations rarely help businesses and additional tax burdens usually hurt in the long run. States need to carefully consider actions like this before pulling the trigger on quick-fix money grabs.

In some countries such as France certain small business’ cannot claim any expenses against the set tax regime. If I build my business by Outsourcing – I lose that money from my profits after all taxes/healthcare is paid. Also the EEC has put a 20% tax on all affiliate sales to the EEC from the USA. It almost feels like a cannot win situation here and it is law for the whole country. Every time I hear the word outsource I want to scream. I am stopped from earning a decent freelance living due to tax laws.

I will not comment on the inability to get a credit card as I am over the magic age of 65. I used to run a 6 figure a year business – used to is the word. Oh Tax laws also change each year as the fancy takes the Government – so no chance of anything being overturned.

The reason I stay in France – the best health service in the world! So I help others start up home businesses in other countries.

Advertisement

About Small Business Trends

Founded in 2003, Small Business Trends is an award-winning online publication for small business owners, entrepreneurs and the people who interact with them. It is one of the most popular independent small business publications on the web.

Together with hundreds of expert contributors, Small Business Trends brings you the news, advice and resources you need. "Small business success... delivered daily."